Joe Cole, Craig Forrest and Christian Bassila all made their comebacks after injury in this FA Premier Reserve League South game at Upton Park, but could not prevent Hammers slumping to defeat.

The good news was that Joe (ankle), Craig (hernia) and Christian (knee), all came through the 90 minutes unscathed. The bad news was that yet another disappointing performance saw the Reserves drop to the bottom of the table.

Few reputations were enhanced by a Hammers side searching for its first win since beating Nottingham Forest back in September.

Goals from Tomas and Guy Demel gave the Gunners a deserved 2-0 lead before Louis Riddle pulled one back for the Hammers midway through the second-half after Davor Suker had a goal disallowed for offside.

Hannu Tlhlnen, the Finnish international centre-back, on loan from Norwegian club Viking Stavanger, made his Hammers debut and Joe Cole was booked for retaliation. More good -news - John Moncur wasn't booked.